Pressroom

Urges Members to Support Snowe/Enzi Amendment

Contact: John Schneidawind
202-626-7457
johnschneidawind@aia.org

For immediate release:
Washington, D.C. – June 17, 2010 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today issued the following statement on the Senate version of the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, the so-called “tax extenders” bill passed last month by the House of Representatives. Like the House bill, the Senate version of this legislation would raise payroll taxes on many small businesses who file their taxes under the S Corp. provisions of the tax code.

“Although Senate leaders made some small changes to the provision, it would still raise taxes on thousands of the smallest design firms and would place even more paperwork burdens on small companies,” said AIA President George H. Miller, FAIA. “Ironically, the number of small businesses that would now be subjected to this tax hike would increase”

“Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Mike Enzi (R-WY) have proposed an amendment to the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act that would eliminate the provision that expands payroll taxes to the earnings of most architecture S corporations with three or fewer lead partners,” Miller said.

“The American Institute of Architects is marshalling the profession to urge their Senate representatives to vote for the Snowe-Enzi amendment, which eliminates the proposed tax increase on S corporations altogether,’ Miller added. “At a time when small businesses – including many architects - are still suffering from the Great Recession, now is not the time to single them out for tax increases.”

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org